According to Mike Holmes of HGTV Canada, outside projects account for almost 40% of renovations and include such projects as decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, firepits and poolside landscaping. They also include adding water features, walkways, pathways and fencing. One of the most critical aspects of your renovation projects is the addition of outdoor lighting fixtures to enhance the overall effect of your property.
Outdoor lighting fixtures are one of the best ways to turn a dark environment into magic by installing low-voltage landscaping lighting. Landscape lighting adds interest and intrigue to any backyard setting. Lamp posts, front entry lanterns, driveway lights and spotlights add not only beauty and charm to your home, but they provide a safety feature for your family, friends and guests.
Ambience
Landscape lights provide a soft ambience for guiding people along your garden’s pathways. They can add a subtle glow to trees, shrubs, pathways and patios. They can illuminate any dark zones in the backyard, artfully accentuate your property’s best features, or highlight your home’s architectural design. Front entry lanterns and lampposts offer a welcoming feature to your home while driveway lighting provides guidance and safety to the property.
Safety
Low voltage lighting can also provide added safety features near steps, rockery, or around the pool area. They can add additional light to brighten a patio area for outdoor entertaining. Low-voltage lighting is economical because it consumes about one-third the electricity compared to high-voltage systems, and it is far less expensive to install.
Selection
Consumers have many choices today because landscape lighting is very popular. There are many options to select from, such as durable plastic or corrosive-resistant metal. The lights come in a variety of colour finishes, so finding a set to suit your taste, and the budget is relatively easy.
Unlike solar fixtures, which require a certain amount of exposure to sunlight daily, low-level landscape lighting provides a consistent output of light in all different types of weather conditions.
Outside fixtures like lamp posts, front entry lanterns and driveway lights come in a variety of styles, material and colours that will add beauty and charm to the front of your home while providing visitors with the safety features of guiding lights.
DIY
By following some simple steps and basic guidelines, anyone can master the art of installing landscape lighting. Whether you’re a novice, or you’re handy with tools, the benefits of adding these decorative accents will create an ambiance of charm to any outdoor setting.
Plan your outside lighting layout by using a simple diagram of the area that is the focal point of your design. By doing a layout first, you will have a better sense of the quantity of materials that you require before moving on to the next phase.
Check around at your favourite retailer for a boxed set, and style, that you like. Whatever you decide, these kits provide you with everything that is needed, like the transformer, the outdoor lighting cable, the fixtures, and the low voltage light bulbs.
Professional Installation
If installing outdoor fixtures yourself is more than you can manage, a professional landscape company can help you design a plan and take the headache of installation out of your hands. They will work with you to create a landscape lighting paradise that will enhance your home and property while providing safety features that keep your family and friends protected from unnecessary accidents on the property.
Beauty-Safety-Ambiance
Whichever route you decide upon, outdoor light fixtures offer beauty, safety and ambiance to any home and property. They provide a unique visual appeal that will set your home apart from others and increase the overall value of your home.